The Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area encompasses approximately 8,700
acres of Chihuahuan Desert scrub environment characterized by low mesquite or
creosote-stabilized coppice dunes, and a variety of dropseed grasses, yucca,
and cacti. The Area was designated in 1993 as a place where off-road/cross-
country travel would be allowed.  
  
The Area is used up to 2 times per year for an organized motorcycle race,
which is the BLM approves through a special recreation permit. The Area is
also a venue for periodic ATV/UTV training provided by the New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish.

The Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area encompasses approximately 8,700 acres of Chihuahuan Desert scrub environment characterized by low mesquite or creosote-stabilized coppice dunes, and a variety of dropseed grasses, yucca, and cacti. The Area was designated in 1993 as a place where off-road/cross-country travel would be allowed.  The Area is used up to 2 times per year for an organized motorcycle race, which is the BLM approves through a special recreation permit. The Area is also a venue for periodic ATV/UTV training provided by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Bird's eye view of the park

Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area

The Aden Lava Flow Wilderness is characterized by basalt flows, volcanic
craters, and coppice sand dunes. The lava flow includes pressure ridges, lava
tubes, and steep-walled depressions of up to 100 feet wide. Grass and shrubs
grow on the flow with many cacti and yucca. Vegetation consists of grasslands
and desert shrubs such as mesquite and creosote. Vent tubes, and the many
crevices found in the lava, provide cover and den sites for wildlife.
Melanistic (dark) forms of mammals and reptiles occur on the black lava flows.
including the rock pocket mouse and black-tailed rattlesnake. Bats are also
numerous, making their homes in the cracks of this broken lava landscape.

The Aden Lava Flow Wilderness is characterized by basalt flows, volcanic craters, and coppice sand dunes. The lava flow includes pressure ridges, lava tubes, and steep-walled depressions of up to 100 feet wide. Grass and shrubs grow on the flow with many cacti and yucca. Vegetation consists of grasslands and desert shrubs such as mesquite and creosote. Vent tubes, and the many crevices found in the lava, provide cover and den sites for wildlife. Melanistic (dark) forms of mammals and reptiles occur on the black lava flows. including the rock pocket mouse and black-tailed rattlesnake. Bats are also numerous, making their homes in the cracks of this broken lava landscape.

Contact the field office for more information.

Aden Lava Flow Wilderness

The Aden Lava Flow WSA is located 20 miles southwest of Las Cruces in the
Chihuahuan Desert. The area is characterized by basalt flows, volcanic
craters, and coppice sand dunes. The lava flow includes pressure ridges, lava
tubes, and steep-walled depressions of up to 100 feet wide. Grass and shrubs
grow on the flow with many cacti and yucca. Vegetation consists of grasslands
and desert shrubs such as mesquite and creosote. Vent tubes, and the many
crevices found in the lava, provide cover and den sites for wildlife. Bats are
numerous and the rock pocket mouse and black-tailed rattlesnake are found on
the black lava flows.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect

The Aden Lava Flow WSA is located 20 miles southwest of Las Cruces in the Chihuahuan Desert. The area is characterized by basalt flows, volcanic craters, and coppice sand dunes. The lava flow includes pressure ridges, lava tubes, and steep-walled depressions of up to 100 feet wide. Grass and shrubs grow on the flow with many cacti and yucca. Vegetation consists of grasslands and desert shrubs such as mesquite and creosote. Vent tubes, and the many crevices found in the lava, provide cover and den sites for wildlife. Bats are numerous and the rock pocket mouse and black-tailed rattlesnake are found on the black lava flows. Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: <a href="https://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/advResults?START=1&SID=28&SOURCE=form&WNAME=&multi=0&AID=0&AID1=0&AID2=0&RID=0&ACREAGEOPERATOR=AllTypes&ACREAGESELECTED=&YEARDESIGNATEDOPERATOR=Greater_Than&YEARSELECTED=2018&YEARSELECTED_BETWEEN=&orderby=wildernessname" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Aden Lava Flow Wilderness Study Area

Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. It is a
volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that
solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The recreation
area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The
1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley
and the Organ Mountains. Although most of the recreational use occurs on the
peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to explore.

Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. Although most of the recreational use occurs on the peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to explore.

Picacho Peak Recreation Area

Mesilla Valley Bosque State park preserves a bosque along the Rio Grande. The
park consists of river woodlands and restored wetlands. It is used by
migratory birds, and is popular for birdwatching, walking, and bicycling.  
  
The park is located on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces and 1.5 miles from
historic Mesilla. Visitors have many opportunities to view wildlife in natural
surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails. Enjoy a fun
ranger-led tour!  
  
It is a day-use only park, and camping is not allowed.  
  
Park Elevation is 3,879 ft.  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State park preserves a bosque along the Rio Grande. The park consists of river woodlands and restored wetlands. It is used by migratory birds, and is popular for birdwatching, walking, and bicycling. 

The park is located on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces and 1.5 miles from historic Mesilla. Visitors have many opportunities to view wildlife in natural surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails. Enjoy a fun ranger-led tour! 

It is a day-use only park, and camping is not allowed. 

Park Elevation is 3,879 ft. 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/mesillavalleystatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument preserves one of the world’s most
significant Early Permian megatracksites within 5,280 acres of the Robledo
Mountains, north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Visitors can hike along informal
trails through rugged desert canyons to view fossilized footprints of
amphibians, reptiles, insects, plants, and petrified wood dating to
approximately 280 million years ago.

To preserve these scientifically important fossils, select trackway specimens
have been removed and curated at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and
Science, forming the Jerry MacDonald Paleozoic Trackways Collection. Visitors
can view these tracks by reserving a public tour of the museum’s Geoscience
Collection. The Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science also features two
large trackways from the monument—one 30 feet long and another 15
feet—providing an impressive look at Early Permian life.

## Hours and Seasons

Open year-round. Desert conditions can be extreme—hot summers and sudden
thunderstorms. Plan hikes in spring, fall, or early mornings.

## Features and Services

  * **Recreational Activities** : Off‑highway vehicle travel, horseback riding, and mountain biking are allowed only on designated routes.
  * **Access and Parking** : Gravel parking available at the trailhead. The final mile requires high-clearance and may need 4WD when wet. Most passenger vehicles can reach the trailhead when dry. 
  * **Cell Service** : Limited to inconsistent; do not rely on signal.
  * **Toilets** : None on-site.
  * **Drinking Water** : Not available; bring your own.
  * **Pets** : Allowed on leash; please keep pets off fossil surfaces.
  * **Camping** : Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property. Developed campgrounds are also available nearby.
  * **Nearby Amenities** : Las Cruces offers food, fuel, lodging, and medical services.

## Respect and Protect

These trackways are scientifically irreplaceable fossils. Observe and
photograph, but do not disturb or remove them. Stay on established paths and
preserve the site’s integrity for future generations. Collection of petrified
wood, fossils, or minerals of any kind is only allowed with a permit, in
accordance with the site’s Resource Management Plan.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument preserves one of the world’s most significant Early Permian megatracksites within 5,280 acres of the Robledo Mountains, north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Visitors can hike along informal trails through rugged desert canyons to view fossilized footprints of amphibians, reptiles, insects, plants, and petrified wood dating to approximately 280 million years ago.  To preserve these scientifically important fossils, select trackway specimens have been removed and curated at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, forming the Jerry MacDonald Paleozoic Trackways Collection. Visitors can view these tracks by reserving a public tour of the museum’s Geoscience Collection. The <a href="https://lascruces.gov/arts-and-leisure/museums/museum-of-nature-and-science/" rel="nofollow">Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science</a> also features two large trackways from the monument—one 30 feet long and another 15 feet—providing an impressive look at Early Permian life.<h2>Hours and Seasons</h2>Open year-round. Desert conditions can be extreme—hot summers and sudden thunderstorms. Plan hikes in spring, fall, or early mornings.  <h2>Features and Services</h2><ul><li>Recreational Activities: Off‑highway vehicle travel, horseback riding, and mountain biking are allowed only on designated routes.</li><li>Access and Parking: Gravel parking available at the trailhead. The final mile requires high-clearance and may need 4WD when wet. Most passenger vehicles can reach the trailhead when dry.  </li><li>Cell Service: Limited to inconsistent; do not rely on signal.</li><li>Toilets: None on-site.</li><li>Drinking Water: Not available; bring your own.</li><li>Pets: Allowed on leash; please keep pets off fossil surfaces.</li><li>Camping: Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property. Developed campgrounds are also available nearby.</li><li>Nearby Amenities: Las Cruces offers food, fuel, lodging, and medical services.</li></ul><h2>Respect and Protect</h2>These trackways are scientifically irreplaceable fossils. Observe and photograph, but do not disturb or remove them. Stay on established paths and preserve the site’s integrity for future generations. Collection of petrified wood, fossils, or minerals of any kind is only allowed with a permit, in accordance with the site’s <a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=14b9ea95-a7f2-f011-8406-001dd802fdea" rel="nofollow">Resource Management Plan</a>.

Fossil Footprint at Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

Prehistoric Trackways  National Monument

In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was
awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern
United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as
the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of
the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and
mail.

In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and mail.

A site along the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

Presidio Chapel of San Elizario

Visit the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail to a take a step back in time.

Old Pinery Butterfield Overland NHT

The Butterfield Overland NHT traversed thousands of miles of desert on the delivery route.

Saguaro Forest on the Butterfield Overland NHT

The Butterfield Overland NHT passes through modern city neighborhoods.

Butterfield Station site at Picacho Village in Dona Ana County, NM

Historic El Paso, Texas offers an opportunity to visit the trail in a busy city.

El Paso Station Marker

Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

A remnant of an ancient volcanic explosion, Kilbourne Hole was designated a
National Natural Landmark in 1975. This crater can be found in a desert basin
between the Potrillo Mountains and the Rio Grande in southern Dona Ana County.
Kilbourne Hole is roughly elliptical in shape, and is known as a Maar - a pit
or depression caused by a volcanic explosion with little material emitted
except volcanic gas. The crater is between 24,000 and 100,000 years old, and
measures 1.7 miles long by well over a mile across, and is hundreds of feet
deep.

Kilbourne Hole has many unique minerals remaining from the eruption. The
crusts of the Kilbourne Hole volcanic bombs - objects blown from the volcanic
vent in a near plastic state - are dull black or brown, but when broken open
they often reveal a brilliant, sparkling yellow and green interior of olivine
glass granules.

A remnant of an ancient volcanic explosion, Kilbourne Hole was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1975. This crater can be found in a desert basin between the Potrillo Mountains and the Rio Grande in southern Dona Ana County. Kilbourne Hole is roughly elliptical in shape, and is known as a Maar - a pit or depression caused by a volcanic explosion with little material emitted except volcanic gas. The crater is between 24,000 and 100,000 years old, and measures 1.7 miles long by well over a mile across, and is hundreds of feet deep.Kilbourne Hole has many unique minerals remaining from the eruption. The crusts of the Kilbourne Hole volcanic bombs - objects blown from the volcanic vent in a near plastic state - are dull black or brown, but when broken open they often reveal a brilliant, sparkling yellow and green interior of olivine glass granules.

The depression of the Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater as seen from the surrounding ridge.

Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater

The Robledo Mountains Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System is a network of trails,
including both extreme OHV and mountain bike trails, in the southern Robledo
Mountains. The trails are dominated by enormous rocks, making the terrain
extraordinarily challenging for riders. The extreme OHV trails require
specialized vehicles, with locking differentials, winches, and expert drivers.
Vehicle damage is not uncommon on these very difficult OHV trails. The area
also includes the "SST" mountain bike trail, which is open only to non-
motorized uses. It also is an extremely technical trail -- traversing
challenging rocky terrain, steep canyons, and mountain-top ridges -- and
requires expert riding skills.

The Robledo Mountains Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System is a network of trails, including both extreme OHV and mountain bike trails, in the southern Robledo Mountains. The trails are dominated by enormous rocks, making the terrain extraordinarily challenging for riders. The extreme OHV trails require specialized vehicles, with locking differentials, winches, and expert drivers. Vehicle damage is not uncommon on these very difficult OHV trails. The area also includes the "SST" mountain bike trail, which is open only to non-motorized uses. It also is an extremely technical trail -- traversing challenging rocky terrain, steep canyons, and mountain-top ridges -- and requires expert riding skills.

Robledo Mountains OHV Trail System

The Whitethorn Wilderness is named for the prevalent white-thorn acacia, a key
year-round food source for quail and a summer food source for desert mule
deer. The volcanic landscape is characterized by cinder cones and craters.
Weathered lava houses small and large wildlife, and views stretch hundreds of
miles.  
  
Raptors are common, especially during the winter. Golden eagles, great-horned
owls, and Swainson’s hawks nest here, and peregrine falcons have also been
reported. Other species that forage and live in the area include pronghorn,
mule deer, quail, jackrabbits, and occasional migrating ducks on ephemeral
ponds.  
  
Chihuahuan Desert grassland and yucca, in association with a mosaic of other
desert shrubs such as creosote, acacia, and mesquite, make up the majority of
the plant cover in the area. Isolated clumps of netleaf hackberry and other
desert trees are found in the lava flow where depressions or deeper pockets of
soil hold extra water after rainfall. Summer monsoon rains bring extensive
stands of wildflowers in this area including white and yellow desert zinnias,
desert marigolds, blackfoot daisies, globe mallow, pepperweed, desert
sunflowers, Chihuahuan flax, and summer poppy.

The Whitethorn Wilderness is named for the prevalent white-thorn acacia, a key year-round food source for quail and a summer food source for desert mule deer. The volcanic landscape is characterized by cinder cones and craters. Weathered lava houses small and large wildlife, and views stretch hundreds of miles. Raptors are common, especially during the winter. Golden eagles, great-horned owls, and Swainson’s hawks nest here, and peregrine falcons have also been reported. Other species that forage and live in the area include pronghorn, mule deer, quail, jackrabbits, and occasional migrating ducks on ephemeral ponds. Chihuahuan Desert grassland and yucca, in association with a mosaic of other desert shrubs such as creosote, acacia, and mesquite, make up the majority of the plant cover in the area. Isolated clumps of netleaf hackberry and other desert trees are found in the lava flow where depressions or deeper pockets of soil hold extra water after rainfall. Summer monsoon rains bring extensive stands of wildflowers in this area including white and yellow desert zinnias, desert marigolds, blackfoot daisies, globe mallow, pepperweed, desert sunflowers, Chihuahuan flax, and summer poppy.

Whitethorn Wilderness Area

The Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion
of New Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert. A diversity of habitats such as
canyons, limestone cliffs, gentle slopes, caves, and riparian areas combine to
make this area unique. Vegetation includes scattered junipers, diverse cacti,
mesquite, creosote bush, and grassland.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect

The Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion of New Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert. A diversity of habitats such as canyons, limestone cliffs, gentle slopes, caves, and riparian areas combine to make this area unique. Vegetation includes scattered junipers, diverse cacti, mesquite, creosote bush, and grassland.Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: <a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/find-a-wilderness.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area

The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is located in southern New Mexico,
approximately 30 miles southwest of Las Cruces in the Chihuahuan Desert. These
mountains are a series of 48 volcanic cinder cones with small sand dunes,
playas, and lava fields in-between. The vegetation consists of desert grasses
and shrubs. Indian Basin, a natural depression at the southwest end of the
West Potrillo Mountains, fills with water during the rainy season providing a
temporary pond for ducks. Wintering raptors are found in high numbers due to a
high small mammal prey base.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect

The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is located in southern New Mexico, approximately 30 miles southwest of Las Cruces in the Chihuahuan Desert. These mountains are a series of 48 volcanic cinder cones with small sand dunes, playas, and lava fields in-between. The vegetation consists of desert grasses and shrubs. Indian Basin, a natural depression at the southwest end of the West Potrillo Mountains, fills with water during the rainy season providing a temporary pond for ducks. Wintering raptors are found in high numbers due to a high small mammal prey base.Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: <a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/find-a-wilderness.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area

The Mount Riley Wilderness Area is located in southern New Mexico
approximately 30 miles southwest of Las Cruces. The Wilderness Area is
comprised of three volcanic cinder cones approximately 1,500 feet high.
Vegetation consists of desert grasses and shrubs. There are no maintained
trails to the summits; however, hikers are rewarded with 360 degree views from
the top.

The Mount Riley Wilderness Area is located in southern New Mexico approximately 30 miles southwest of Las Cruces. The Wilderness Area is comprised of three volcanic cinder cones approximately 1,500 feet high. Vegetation consists of desert grasses and shrubs. There are no maintained trails to the summits; however, hikers are rewarded with 360 degree views from the top.

Mount Riley Wilderness Area

The Cinder Cone Wilderness is part of the Greater Potrillo Mountains Complex,
located approximately 30 miles southwest of Las Cruces adjacent to the border
with Mexico. This wilderness features an extremely high concentration of
cinder cones giving evidence of its past volcanic history.  
  
Chihuahuan Desert grassland and yucca, in association with a mosaic of other
desert shrubs such as creosote, acacia, and mesquite, make up the majority of
the plant cover in the area. Isolated clumps of netleaf hackberry and other
desert trees are found in the lava flow where depressions or deeper pockets of
soil hold extra water after rainfall. Occasional juniper trees are also found
on mountain slopes and in larger drainages. Summer monsoon rains bring
extensive stands of wildflowers in this area including white and yellow desert
zinnias, desert marigolds, blackfoot daisies, globe mallow, pepperweed, desert
sunflowers, Chihuahuan flax, and summer poppy. Unusually large specimens of
barrel cactus also live in this area.  
  
Raptors are common, especially during the winter. Golden eagles, great-horned
owls, and Swainson’s hawks nest here, and peregrine falcons have also been
reported. Other species that forage and live in the area include pronghorn,
mule deer, quail, jackrabbits, and occasional migrating ducks on ephemeral
ponds.

The Cinder Cone Wilderness is part of the Greater Potrillo Mountains Complex, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Las Cruces adjacent to the border with Mexico. This wilderness features an extremely high concentration of cinder cones giving evidence of its past volcanic history. Chihuahuan Desert grassland and yucca, in association with a mosaic of other desert shrubs such as creosote, acacia, and mesquite, make up the majority of the plant cover in the area. Isolated clumps of netleaf hackberry and other desert trees are found in the lava flow where depressions or deeper pockets of soil hold extra water after rainfall. Occasional juniper trees are also found on mountain slopes and in larger drainages. Summer monsoon rains bring extensive stands of wildflowers in this area including white and yellow desert zinnias, desert marigolds, blackfoot daisies, globe mallow, pepperweed, desert sunflowers, Chihuahuan flax, and summer poppy. Unusually large specimens of barrel cactus also live in this area. Raptors are common, especially during the winter. Golden eagles, great-horned owls, and Swainson’s hawks nest here, and peregrine falcons have also been reported. Other species that forage and live in the area include pronghorn, mule deer, quail, jackrabbits, and occasional migrating ducks on ephemeral ponds.